Slow Food Charleston is one of over 200 chapters nationwide working to raise awareness of the health and environmental benefits of choosing locally produced foods that are good, clean and fair. Through a variety of events showcasing the region’s diverse harvest, we strive to stimulate the palate and spark curiosity about the rich heritage of Low Country foodways.
Join our community of food enthusiasts, chefs and farmers by becoming a part of the conversation – today!

Thursday, February 18, 2010

High on the Hog

Slow Food Charleston's Valentine’s Day event to raise awareness of the succulent and sustainable American Guinea Hog was a big success. A healthy crowd turned out to learn more about Gra Moore’s mission to restore the once-flourishing guinea hog population at his Carolina Heritage Farms and bring it to the local market.

A hearty “cheers!” goes out to Ted’s Butcherblock for playing host to the party, and Christophe Chocolatier-Patisserie for supporting our efforts with an innovative tasting menu. Celloist Helen Greenfield and guitarist Steve Green of Unwind Duo struck the right auditory note with a romantic repertory of Beatles classics.

Gra provided Guinea hog bacon for the Thursday event, which was presented dipped in handcrafted chocolate and dusted with savory seasonings such as Szechuan pepper and cayenne pepper. Ted’s staff treated us to a tasting flight for the various sweets: a Chateau Croix Mouton Bordeaux was paired with the chocolate-bathed bacon strips, Lockwood Pinot Noir with a cocoa-dusted nugget and Trignon Muscat with a blue cheese confection.

For more information about advocacy efforts on behalf of the American Guinea Hog and other rare breeds, visit the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy at www.albc-usa.org.